03.23.2010
Victory at Signature Place
We recently completed a fantastic project that I hope will be the harbinger of what is to come for 2010. The pace was feverish and the project a challenge, but in the end our success and that of our colleagues at Accelerated Marketing Partners, was spelled out in no uncertain terms.
In early February, my good friend and long-time colleague Jon Gollinger emailed over three plans from a 242-unit condo building, telling me he needed great models in 11 days. Over the last 20 years, Jon and I have collaborated on hundreds of projects, many of them conventional models, and many, like this project, less conventional. Accelerated Marketing is one of the foremost property auctioneering firms in the US, helping distressed properties find their footing while also creating value where before only questions lay. As the head of Accelerated, Jon Gollinger took one look at Signature Place in St. Petersburg, FL, and knew that he wanted us on board to help create marketable interiors to help drive his auction sales.
With less than two weeks to complete the units, the MCA team dove in head first, figuring out how to create big impact, prove function and livability, and maximize perceived value for $25 a square foot. The finished projects were stunning. Even more exhilarating, however, were the results of AMP's auction campaign. In a few short hours, an astounding 51 units (yes, including our models) were sold at auction. By the next day, an additional 12 units had been sold conventionally. We are more than thrilled to have been a part of such a fabulous project, and even more thrilled to know our work had such solid and immediate results with the buyers at Signature Place.
Click here to read a little more about the groundbreaking sale, or here to read an interview with Jon Gollinger about his unique perspective on property auctions and the victory at Signature Place.
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03.05.2010
2010 Spring Color Trends
Recently we have had a flurry of activity in model home re-designs, updates and re-dos. Since it has been awhile since we've seen this much activity in the model home arena, we took some time to go out in search of all that is fresh, new, and cool in the realm of interior design. Our team spent days at the Chicago Merchandise Mart, combing through showrooms and showrooms of fabrics, wall coverings and textiles, to put together fresh and exciting palettes for the new work.
What we saw was more than mere inspiration, it was almost heavenly - color everywhere! Hot pinks, richly saturated yellows, oranges and golds, bright blues from the navy, aqua, and sky families, springy greens, and rich salmons, all of which give such a breath of fresh air to this year's color palette. It's almost like taking a vacation from the grimness of the recession.
Better yet, the playful yet sophisticated patterns available this season lift the spirit even more. Bold, contemporary florals printed on silk ground appear almost regal in shades of rich gold, aqua and cream. Patterns created with weaving processes that raise and lower naps and combine threads and weaves together are incredibly striking to both the sight and touch. Splashes of metallic sheen lend an unexpected modernity to traditional motifs.
Combining these exciting patterns, colors, and textures produces a very uplifting result. Even more striking is to finally notice in comparison just how earthy and subdued the palettes we are replacing have been. I think this is a sign of basic human nature. We have all been so frugal since the market dropped in 2007, and I think people are more than ready to connect with something positive. These palettes and patterns enable viewers to feel uplifted, to finally allow them to feel pleasure in basic visual stimuli.
In general over the years, during good economic times colors get darker and richer, and then during economic downturns colors get lighter and brighter. Since this has been one of the longest, deepest recessions ever, get ready to see more 'brighter', 'lighter', and 'happy' than you've seen for years. It's time for some fun that doesn't cost any more, but is guaranteed to make you feel like a million dollars!
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